Efforts to tackle school bullying should be redoubled, according to the Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald.

School boards were urged to step up their approach towards the problem, as it was claimed that recent research has revealed the scale of bullying in Ireland remains "a matter of grave concern", the Irish Times reports.

Ms Fitzgerald explained how more than 24 per cent of children aged between nine and 17 have reported being bullied, while homophobic teasing is said to have been witnessed by 58 per cent of youngsters.

The Minister claimed she is committed to working with colleagues in the government to ensure integrated policy responses to combat bullying are high on the agenda.

Ms Fitzgerald's comments came in response to a call for bullying and the mental health of children to be recognised as a "critically important" issue by Caoimhghin O Caolain.

It was noted by the Minister that all school boards have been issued guidelines on how to address bullying and that teachers have a professional duty of care to address the problem.

Written by Donal Walsh

 

Comments